DELHI- Australian authorities are in discussions with Air India (AI) and IndiGo (6E) to increase direct flight operations from India to Sydney. The talks come as Indian tourist numbers to Australia continue to grow at high double-digit rates.
The new Western Sydney International Airport has completed initial runway trials and is scheduled to become operational by late 2026. Officials are particularly interested in having Indian carriers launch services to this facility once they receive new aircraft.
Photo: Siddh Dhuri | MumbaiPlanesAustralia Eyes India Flights
The Western Sydney International Airport represents a significant development for India-Australia travel connections.
Located near Parramatta, home to a substantial Indian community, the new airport will operate 24 hours daily, eliminating the operational curfew (11 PM to 6 AM) that currently restricts flights at the existing Sydney Airport.
Currently, only two direct flight options exist between India and Sydney: Air India operates daily Delhi-Sydney services using Boeing 787 Dreamliners, while Qantas runs daily flights in the Bengaluru-Sydney sector with Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
The addition of new services from both Air India and IndiGo would effectively double direct flight capacity when the new airport becomes operational.
Indian travelers also reach Sydney via connecting flights on carriers including Singapore Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways, Cathay Pacific, Scoot, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Sri Lankan Airlines, providing single-stop connections from multiple Indian cities.
Photo: AirbusEvolving Travel Preferences for Indian Tourists
A notable shift in travel preferences has emerged among Indian visitors to Australia. Samar Chokshi, Country Manager-India for Destination NSW, told Hindu Businessline in an interview, there has been a dramatic increase in premium travel demand.
“Travelers are first booking business class, and only if unavailable do they consider other options—the opposite of previous patterns,” Chokshi noted. This change extends beyond major metropolitan areas to include tier-two and tier-three Indian cities, where travelers demonstrate increased spending capacity and a desire for premium travel experiences.
The travel pattern of Indian tourists to Australia has evolved significantly, with stays extending from the traditional 3-4 nights to 7-8 nights. Visitors are also choosing more expensive accommodations and investing in food, beverages, and authentic experiences rather than hurried sightseeing.
“Travel has become less about checking boxes and more about experiencing deeper cultural connections and natural environments,” explained Chokshi. “Sydney offers a wide range of these authentic experiences.”
Photo: By Simon_sees from Australia – Sydney Airport, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=72845384Strong Market Recovery and Growth
The Indian travel market to Australia has shown remarkable resilience and growth, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. India was the first market to recover after Australia reopened its borders, with visitor numbers now two to three times higher than pre-pandemic levels.
This growth trajectory continues in high double digits, with Indian tourists demonstrating increased spending capacity.
Premium experiences that were once considered extraordinary, such as $1,000 per night accommodations or $150 dining experiences, have become normalized among this traveler segment.
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